Is Microcement Worth It in Singapore? Cost, Pros & Cons you Should Know

Microcement is a premium flooring and wall coating that has grown popular in recent years, especially for home renovations in Singapore. 

Applied in ultra-thin layers (just 2–3 mm), it bonds directly to existing surfaces like tiles, concrete, or wood. This means it can be used for microcement flooring in Singapore homes, as well as walls, counters, and even furniture.

Microcement Cost Overview in Singapore

Microcement is a premium product, and its cost is substantially higher than standard cement screed or tiles due to the specialised materials and labour-intensive, multi-step application process. 

Estimated Cost: Prices in Singapore range from S$175–S$250 per sqm (≈ S$16–23 per sqft), depending on type, contractor, and project complexity.

Cost of Microcement vs Cement Screed

When budgeting for your home renovation, factor in that microcement can cost two to three times more than cement screed, but it offers greater durability, improved performance, and fewer cracking issues. Always confirm with your renovation contractor before committing.

Tiles are often cheaper upfront, especially ceramic ones, but microcement saves on grout maintenance and delivers a continuous surface. In fact, high-end marble or stone tiles in Singapore can cost more than microcement, blurring the price gap.

HomeMatch ID’s Protip: Interior designers in Singapore may recommend microcement for its long-term value.

While it isn’t the cheapest upfront option compared to tiles, its seamless finish and low-maintenance upkeep often make it a smarter investment over the lifespan of your renovation.

Aesthetic Versatility‍

Wide range of colours and textures to fit Japandi, industrial, or minimalist interiors.

Seamless Finish‍

No grout lines, creating a modern, easy-to-clean surface. This makes it a top choice for interior firms creating minimalist or Japandi-style homes.

Durable and Waterproof‍

When sealed with a polyurethane topcoat, it’s stain-resistant and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. With a continuous, grout-free surface, microcement helps prevent mold and mildew growth, especially relevant for humid climates like Singapore.

Thin Application‍

At just 2–3 mm, it can be applied over existing tiles or concrete, saving time and demolition costs.

Eco-Friendliness‍

Lower carbon footprint and fewer VOC emissions than many alternatives.

Heat Resistant and Fire-Safe

‍Microcement is highly resistant to heat, making it safe for kitchens, open-plan homes, and even areas near ovens or stoves.

Safety is a big factor in home renovation, and microcement’s fire-resistant quality makes it appealing to cautious homeowners.

Ages Well Over Time

Unlike tiles, which can crack or fade, microcement develops a subtle patina effect as it ages. This natural evolution adds depth and character to your home, giving it a lived-in luxury appeal that’s highly valued in modern interior design.

High Cost

‍The biggest drawback: Microcement is significantly pricier than tiles or screed.

Prone to Scratches

‍Durable but not indestructible. Without proper sealing, it can scratch or stain.

Skilled Installation Required

‍Microcement flooring is not a DIY option. Poor workmanship can lead to uneven finishes, cracking, or water seepage, which are hard and costly to fix.

Long Curing Time

‍The primer, base coats, and sealers take time, causing home renovations to face delays.

Primer dries anywhere between 30 minutes and 24 hours.

For base coats, each coat takes 3 to 12 hours to dry. You’ll usually have to wait another 12 to 24 hours before adding the finishing coats. Renovators often sand between layers to keep the surface smooth.

Top coats bring out the final colour and texture. They need 3 to 12 hours between layers and around 12 to 24 hours before sealing.

Sealers can take 2 to 24 hours to dry between coats. Floors are usually safe for light use after 24 to 48 hours. 

However, it would be wise to wait at least 7 days before water exposure and 28 days for the floor to fully harden.

HomeMatch’s ID Pro-Tip: Singapore’s humidity can slow things down, so ventilation really helps. The exact timing also depends on the product, the surface, and how thick the coats are.

Repair Challenges

‍Minor touch-ups may not blend seamlessly with the original finish.

• Clean with a soft broom or pH-neutral mop.
  
  
• Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners.
  
  
• Reseal every 2–3 years to maintain waterproofing and shine.
  
  
• Use protective pads under furniture to reduce scratching.

These are the spaces where Singapore homeowners most often turn to microcement for its seamless look and practical benefits.

Bathrooms and Toilets

Its seamless and waterproof finish makes it perfect for wet zones, provided renovation contractors follow proper waterproofing guidelines. Many renovators now apply microcement in HDB bathrooms to create a clean, spa-like finish without grout.

Kitchens and Countertops

Hygienic, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-use areas. Microcement kitchens are increasingly featured for their sleek and functional appeal.

Living Rooms and Open Spaces

Beyond practical zones, microcement ties large areas together. In open-plan layouts, it creates one continuous surface that makes spaces feel bigger while lending either an industrial edge or a warm minimalist vibe.

Over Existing Tiles‍

Thin application makes it excellent for overlays, saving hacking costs.

Weight Restrictions‍

Its lightness avoids issues with HDB floor load limits, as no loads greater than 150kg kilogrammes per metre square of floor area is allowed.

Bathrooms‍

Microcement flooring is waterproof when properly sealed with a polyurethane or epoxy topcoat, making it a strong renovation option for your HDB bathroom in Singapore. 

However, shower zones need extra care, as constant water exposure means poor workmanship could lead to seepage. Always work with an experienced bathroom renovation contractor who understands proper bathroom waterproofing according to Singapore standards.

HomeMatch ID Pro-Tip: A skilled applicator will install a waterproofing membrane beneath the floor before applying microcement, then finish with multiple sealing layers to ensure your bathroom stays watertight and mould-free.

While microcement is best known as a flooring material, it’s a multipurpose coating that can be applied to many other parts of the home:

Using Microcement on Walls‍

Microcement works beautifully on feature walls, TV walls, and even bathroom walls, giving interiors a sculptural, seamless finish; no grout lines in sight!

HomeMatch’s ID Pro-Tip: Just keep in mind: when it’s used in wet areas like bathrooms, you need to prep the wall properly with waterproofing before applying microcement.

That way, the moisture won’t seep in and compromise the finish over time.

Using Microcement on Countertops and Backsplashes‍

Instead of just functional countertops, designers are using microcement to create statement surfaces. 

Backsplashes finished in microcement give a stone-like effect, while custom countertops can be shaped and coloured for a bold, high-end look.

Using Microcement on Furniture and Built-Ins‍

Some interior designers use microcement on custom carpentry, tabletops, or even shelves to create a unified, minimalist aesthetic across the home.

HomeMatch ID Pro-Tip: Microcement’s thinness (2–3 mm) and light weight make it especially practical for home renovations, where you may want a bold industrial-chic feature without adding structural load. 

Always ensure your renovation contractor has experience applying it beyond floors, as walls and furniture require different techniques.

Feedback from Singaporeans are mixed. 

1. “Overall, quite easy to maintain.”

Singaporean ID May shares in a Lemon8 post that after three years, microcement flooring was easier to maintain compared to tiles, as there were no joint lines.
‍

     2. “Run far, far away.”

Not everyone feels the same. Redditor tomyummad gave a harsh review after using microcement in a bathroom, saying it couldn’t withstand scratches, dragging, or dropped items. 

Their blunt warning highlights that microcement may not be ideal for high-traffic, high-impact areas.
‍

     3. “Perhaps the installers took shortcuts.”

Another Redditor took a more neutral stance, suggesting that microcement should be as durable as ceramic tiles if done correctly. 

They pointed out that poor workmanship is often the real issue, since microcement requires a rigorous, skill-heavy application process.

Overall, many Singaporean homeowners and designers agree that microcement offers a modern, seamless look that’s easy to clean.

This is especially appealing in compact HDB flats where joint-free, low-maintenance finishes make a big difference. 

But the flip side is clear: when installation is rushed or done by inexperienced hands, homeowners often report scratches, stains, or patchy finishes.

HomeMatch ID's Pro-Tip: Always engage a CaseTrust-accredited renovator or an experienced interior designer with a strong microcement portfolio.

Reviewing past projects on trusted renovation platforms can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a flawless finish.

If you want a designer finish with long-term durability, and you’re ready to invest, microcement is worth considering.

Ready to Explore Microcement for Your Home Renovation?

If you’re considering microcement for your home renovation in Singapore, don’t leave it to chance.

Poor workmanship can turn a dream finish into an expensive mistake!

Always work with CaseTrust-accredited renovators and experienced interior firms who know how to apply microcement the right way, from waterproofing bathrooms to achieving a smooth, designer-level finish.

Get matched with trusted interior designers and contractors through HomeMatch today!